The Sparkassen Chess Trophy 2026 is once again highlighting women’s elite chess with its International Women’s Tournament, which takes place from August 2 to August 9 as part of the 53rd International Dortmund Chess Days. The four-player round-robin event will be staged at the Kulturzentrum Alte Schmiede alongside the prestigious A-Open and B-Open.
Heading the field is Germany’s top-ranked woman Dinara Wagner, who returns to Dortmund after several memorable performances in recent years. Wagner achieved a grandmaster norm in Dortmund in 2023, drew her exhibition match against Elisabeth Pähtz in 2024, and won the special blitz event during last year’s festival. She will be aiming to add the 2026 International Women’s Tournament title to her growing list of achievements.
Joining Wagner is rising Chinese star Song Yuxin, who makes her Dortmund debut. The Chinese national team player has enjoyed a breakthrough year and has climbed into the world’s top 25, making her one of the tournament’s most exciting participants.
Play begins on August 2, with the women’s event sharing the spotlight throughout the week before concluding on August 9, when the champion will be crowned in Dortmund.